Only By Grace
Scripture: Romans 6:14 “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace.”
Observation: What Paul is saying is that sin is no longer in control of us however it is not extinct as well, but God promises for those of us who contend for him that are living of under the freedom of God’s grace. The apostle means to say that Christians are not under the law as legalists, or as attempting to be justified by it. They seek a different plan of justification altogether: and they do not attempt to be justified by their own obedience.(Barnes)
Application: It is only by grace that we are justified. If we were to justify our sin by works, we could never attain the hours or the work ethic to cover our debts. But because of God’s grace, sin is no longer our master if we accept His grace!
Prayer: God thank you so much for your grace and love. I am so glad that I do not have to let sin be my master…but a loving God who is just and holy. Help me walk in your ways and light. Give me wisdom to share your grace and love. In Jesus Name Amen!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
All About Jesus
All About Jesus
Scripture: Romans 3:25 “For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times passed.”
Observation: It is only through Jesus and the blood shed on the cross that we are saved!
Application: If it was not for Jesus, I would have no hope. God by his grace let his Son die on the cross for my sins…for all mankind sins. I do not get what I deserve, because of Gods unmerited favor.
Prayer: Thank you God for your Son Jesus. You are an amazing God, that Jesus would die for us and set us free. We are set free by your blood and thank you for not giving me what I deserve. In Jesus Name!
Scripture: Romans 3:25 “For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times passed.”
Observation: It is only through Jesus and the blood shed on the cross that we are saved!
Application: If it was not for Jesus, I would have no hope. God by his grace let his Son die on the cross for my sins…for all mankind sins. I do not get what I deserve, because of Gods unmerited favor.
Prayer: Thank you God for your Son Jesus. You are an amazing God, that Jesus would die for us and set us free. We are set free by your blood and thank you for not giving me what I deserve. In Jesus Name!
Friday, May 22, 2009
No Favoritism
No Favoritism
Scripture: Romans 2:11 “For God does not show favoritism.”
Observation: This portion of scripture Paul is talking about God’s Judgment. For there is no respect of persons with God - He will reward every one according to his works. But this is well consistent with his distributing advantages and opportunities of improvement, according to his own good pleasure. (Wesley)
Application: When you cut to the core of Christ and our salvation, doing good just is not enough. Salvation is not granted in doing good! However it is granted in trusting in Christ and seeking Him, He earned our salvation. So when you look at favoritism, there is none with God. No matter what racial, family, or religious background you are from, it does not keep you from judgment. We are all accountable for our own actions and one day God will judge everyone’s secret life!
Prayer: God I am so grateful for your amazing love and grace. Your word is eternal and true! Thank you for being consistent and right. We look at your word and see that you show no favoritism…but your judgment is for all people. I pray that people in churches and out of churches will begin to heed these words. And they would be set free of their own sin and realize that Jesus Christ is their only hope! In Jesus Name Amen!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
See The Truth
See The Truth
Scripture: Romans 1:19-21 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them.20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.
Observation: Dr. Taylor paraphrases this and the following verse this: “Although the Gentiles had no written revelation, yet what may be known of God is every where manifest among them, God having made a clear discovery of Himself to them. For his being and perfections, invisible to our bodily eyes, have been, ever since the creation of the world, evidently to be seen, if attentively considered, in the visible beauty, order, and operations observable in the constitution and parts of the universe; especially his eternal power and universal dominion and providence: so that they cannot plead ignorance in excuse of their idolatry and wickedness.”
Application: We all know there is a God and we do not worship Him as we were created to do!. We know that He is true and loving just by seeing nature and we also can tell by the invisible qualities He possesses. However, we are a people who do not even give Him thanks. I wonder how people cannot go to the mountains, or the sea, or the valleys just in our nation and not think of God? Paul says those who argue against God’s creation and claim to be wise will become utter fools.
Prayer: God, I pray that people would look at your creation and marvel at your wondrous works. That the people that I know that try to reason with science that there is no God, that Paul’s words would somehow change their heart. Lord, grant me wisdom and insight on how to minister to these people…but more importantly let your invisible qualities draw them to a relationship with your Son. In Jesus Name…Amen!
Scripture: Romans 1:19-21 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them.20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.
Observation: Dr. Taylor paraphrases this and the following verse this: “Although the Gentiles had no written revelation, yet what may be known of God is every where manifest among them, God having made a clear discovery of Himself to them. For his being and perfections, invisible to our bodily eyes, have been, ever since the creation of the world, evidently to be seen, if attentively considered, in the visible beauty, order, and operations observable in the constitution and parts of the universe; especially his eternal power and universal dominion and providence: so that they cannot plead ignorance in excuse of their idolatry and wickedness.”
Application: We all know there is a God and we do not worship Him as we were created to do!. We know that He is true and loving just by seeing nature and we also can tell by the invisible qualities He possesses. However, we are a people who do not even give Him thanks. I wonder how people cannot go to the mountains, or the sea, or the valleys just in our nation and not think of God? Paul says those who argue against God’s creation and claim to be wise will become utter fools.
Prayer: God, I pray that people would look at your creation and marvel at your wondrous works. That the people that I know that try to reason with science that there is no God, that Paul’s words would somehow change their heart. Lord, grant me wisdom and insight on how to minister to these people…but more importantly let your invisible qualities draw them to a relationship with your Son. In Jesus Name…Amen!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Send A Master Craftsman
Send A Master Craftsman
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 2: 7 "So send me a master craftsman who can work with gold, silver, bronze, and iron, as well as with purple, scarlet, and blue cloth. He must be a skilled engraver who can work with the craftsmen of Judah and Jerusalem who were selected by my father, David.
13 "I am sending you a master craftsman named Huram-abi, who is extremely talented.
Observation: Solomon asked the King of Hiram not just to send anybody that might have these talents. He asked for a man , that is a person of great ingenuity, who is capable of planning and directing, and who may be over the other artists. In other words Solomon was asking for the best of the best.
Application: A wise leader just does not settle for the average Joe. He must find and ask for the best. The best person is one that is capable of facilitating and training others to do the finest work. As a leader that is our goals. Simplicity with Excellence!
Prayer: God I thank you for sending the ultimate craftsman, Jesus! He has given us great insight and wisdom on life. I pray for my family, that I would become a better craftsman that can help love and cherish my family. I pray for our church, that I would become a better craftsman in facilitating growth and health amongst our people for You! I also pray that you continue to send master craftsman to The Rock Church…to help facilitate and train people for your Kingdom, In Jesus Name…Amen!
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 2: 7 "So send me a master craftsman who can work with gold, silver, bronze, and iron, as well as with purple, scarlet, and blue cloth. He must be a skilled engraver who can work with the craftsmen of Judah and Jerusalem who were selected by my father, David.
13 "I am sending you a master craftsman named Huram-abi, who is extremely talented.
Observation: Solomon asked the King of Hiram not just to send anybody that might have these talents. He asked for a man , that is a person of great ingenuity, who is capable of planning and directing, and who may be over the other artists. In other words Solomon was asking for the best of the best.
Application: A wise leader just does not settle for the average Joe. He must find and ask for the best. The best person is one that is capable of facilitating and training others to do the finest work. As a leader that is our goals. Simplicity with Excellence!
Prayer: God I thank you for sending the ultimate craftsman, Jesus! He has given us great insight and wisdom on life. I pray for my family, that I would become a better craftsman that can help love and cherish my family. I pray for our church, that I would become a better craftsman in facilitating growth and health amongst our people for You! I also pray that you continue to send master craftsman to The Rock Church…to help facilitate and train people for your Kingdom, In Jesus Name…Amen!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wisdom
Wisdom2 Chronicles 1:10-12
10 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly,* for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?" 11 God said to Solomon, "Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people—12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!"
Observation: Of all the things Solomon could have asked for, he asked for wisdom. He asked to have knowledge to lead the people properly! Solomon knew that he was young, inexperienced and the only hope that he had was that God would grant him wisdom. His greatest desire was to help his people!
Application: I feel a lot like Solomon. Young, inexperienced, not for sure if what I am doing is right for the future. However, my heart is like Solomon’s, I want to help people. I do not want wealth, fame, or even for my enemies to die. If I keep our focus on God and his people, God will help me lead them correctly. The future belongs to God anyway.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Solomon’s story. I desire to be like Solomon during his early years, full of wisdom and faith. I ask for wisdom. Wisdom to lead my immediate family, wisdom to lead your church in Jesus Name Amen!
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